Murali given hero's welcome in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan was given a hero's welcome when he returned home as the highest wicket-taker in Test history on Thursday.

Reported by Indo-Asian News Service

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Colombo:

Sri Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan was given a hero's welcome when he returned home as the highest wicket-taker in Test history on Thursday.
The off-spinner, currently embroiled in a controversy over his bowling action, broke Courtney Walsh's 519-wicket record during Sri Lanka's successful tour of Zimbabwe and ended up extending his career tally to 527.
Muralitharan's arrival in Sri Lanka was broadcast live on national television and a host of politicians, sports administrators, family members and close friends flocked to greet the bowler.
Grand reception
The 32-year-old was adorned with garlands of flowers and mobbed by media as he stepped into the VIP airport arrivals lounge.
Sri Lanka won the two-Test series against Zimbabwe 2-0 and the one-day series 5-0.
They are scheduled to start a two-Test tour of Australia in June. But Muralitharan, unhappy about Australian Prime Minister John Howard's comments over his bowling action, has said he may boycott the tour.
The International Cricket Council has barred Muralitharan's controversial 'doosra' delivery after research showed he illegally straightened his arm. (AP)